Dubai Hosts Urban Future Week to Shape Smarter Cities

Dubai took another step toward defining the cities of tomorrow as the Museum of the Future, in partnership with Dubai Municipality, inaugurated Urban Future Week. The two-day event, held on 10–11 November, brought together global leaders, urban planners, and innovators to explore how technology and governance can shape sustainable, human-centred cities.

Under the theme “Redefining the Future of Cities and Communities – Co-creating Our Future City,” the forum focused on how innovation, collaboration, and foresight are transforming the foundations of urban life. Experts from around the world gathered at the iconic Museum of the Future to discuss practical approaches for building cities that are both resilient and responsive to change.

The sessions and workshops highlighted Dubai’s growing role as a global hub for smart urban design and future-focused governance. The discussions explored real-world challenges—from managing digital infrastructure and open data systems to advancing energy-efficient and green building standards.

Participants examined how AI, predictive analytics, and participatory design can support governments in making smarter decisions that improve public services and overall quality of life. Urban specialists also shared success stories from Dubai’s ongoing sustainability and innovation projects, reflecting the city’s drive to balance growth with environmental responsibility.

Day One, themed “Urban Systems, Governance & Innovation,” delved into strategies for building institutional resilience and adaptive governance. It featured insights from key figures across government and industry, including Digital Dubai, Dubai Police, TECOM Group, Schneider Electric, and Archidentity.

The second day, themed “Digital Cities and the Future of Communities,” continued the conversation on how digital transformation and community engagement can shape more inclusive and connected urban spaces.

Urban Future Week served not just as a conference, but as a global meeting point for policymakers, researchers, and innovators. The event aims to inspire new partnerships, projects, and policy recommendations that support Dubai’s vision to be the world’s most livable and sustainable city — a model for others to follow in building the cities of the future.